H.S. BASEBALL: Abington defeats Cardinsl Spellman in pitchers duel

Abington’s Matt Whalen and Cardinal Spellman’s Colin Sullivan matched each other pitch for pitch through the first five innings at Tom Graham Diamond at Memorial Field. But a misplayed fly ball lost in the sun opened the door for the Green Wave, and they took advantage with a run and added three more in the seventh for a 4-0 non-league victory.

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By Scott RocheEnterprise Correspondent

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Scott RocheEnterprise Correspondent

Posted Apr. 21, 2014 at 9:43 PM
Updated Apr 21, 2014 at 9:45 PM

By Scott RocheEnterprise Correspondent

Posted Apr. 21, 2014 at 9:43 PM
Updated Apr 21, 2014 at 9:45 PM

ABINGTON

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In a pitchers duel, the team that takes advantage of the other team’s mistakes usually comes out on top, and that was the case on Monday morning.

Abington’s Matt Whalen and Cardinal Spellman’s Colin Sullivan matched each other pitch for pitch through the first five innings at Tom Graham Diamond at Memorial Field. But a misplayed fly ball that was lost in the sun opened the door for the Green Wave, and they took advantage with a run and added three more in the seventh for a 4-0 non-league victory.

“It was two pitchers that really went at each other and were both on top of their game,’’ said Abington coach Steve Perakslis, whose squad was the visiting team on its home field because of poor field conditions at Spellman. “They were both throwing strikes and we got a break that the ball got up in the air and was lost in the sun. Both pitchers threw well, and tip your hat to both kids.’’

Abington (7-0) scored the only run it would need in the top of the sixth off Sullivan (12 strikeouts). James Landers walked with one out and advanced to third when Aiden Cawley’s fly ball to right field was lost in the sun. Joe Marella walked to load the bases and Bryan Dwyer drove in Landers with a sacrifice fly to center for a 1-0 lead.

“We got the break with the walk, and the ball lost in the sun set us up,’’ Perakslis said. “Joe Marella had a nice at-bat to get the bases loaded to get Bryan, who is probably our best hitter on the team, up and we just needed a fly ball. It’s a good thing we had James Landers on third base because he might have been the only one to score on the ball. It wasn’t hit that deep, but we had the right guy on third.’’

Said Spellman coach Ray Bresnahan: “We have been making too many mistakes to beat any good team, especially (Abington). Abington capitalized on the opportunities they had and we didn’t. You had a feeling that the first team to score was going to win with the way the game was going.’’

Abington got some insurance in the seventh. Brian O’Donovan doubled with one out and Vin Picardi followed with an RBI double for a 2-0 lead. After a groundout, Landers tripled to center field to score Picardi. Landers scored when the throw to third went out of play for a 4-0 lead.

Whalen took care of the rest for the Green Wave. The right-hander retired the final eight Spellman (1-5) batters he faced, including striking out the final four to improve his personal record to 4-0 on the season. Whalen scattered three hits, walked two and struck out seven.

Page 2 of 2 - “Matt has just been incredible this year,’’ said Perakslis. “He didn’t get to pitch much last year because of some arm problems. He just throws strikes. He mixes up his pitches and keeps us in the game. Matt did a great job.’’

Spellman’s biggest threat came in the third when Paul Bolduc doubled with one out and Ryan Gallagher followed with a walk. Whalen settled down, though, and ended the inning with a pop-up and groundout.

“Whalen is a tough pitcher and he seemed to get tougher when we had men on base,’’ said Bresnahan. “We talked about it before the game that it would be a low-scoring game and we knew we would need to cash in when we had chances. We haven’t hit all year with men on base. It’s been an offensive struggle.’’